Everything You Need To Know About The Mental Healthcare Bill Passed By Parliament

The Parliament on Monday passed the ‘Mental Healthcare Bill’ in the Lok Sabha that seeks to provide for mental healthcare and services for persons with mental illness and to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of such persons during delivery of healthcare services.

The bill outlines the procedure and process for admission, treatment and subsequent discharge of mentally ill persons. It guarantees free treatment for such persons if they are homeless or poor, even if they do not possess a Below Poverty Line card.

The bill also states that a person who attempts suicide shall be presumed to be suffering from mental illness at that time and will not be punished under the Indian Penal Code. Every centre that is involved in the treatment of persons with mental illness should be registered with the central or state authorities, the bill mandates.

A person with mental illness will have the right to confidentiality in respect of his mental health, mental healthcare, treatment and physical healthcare.

Under the bill, a child under the age of three years will not be separated from his or her mother, if the mother is receiving care, treatment or rehabilitation at a mental health establishment.

The bill also provides for a penalty and imprisonment in case of violation of its provisions. Replying to a debate on the bill, Health Minister J P Nadda described the legislation as progressive and patient centric.

Also Read: Mental Health Screening: Flawed Approach Can Boomerang

With inputs from ANI